Argumentative Matrix

Argumentative Matrix

Argumentative texts are often much less direct about their purpose and motivation than expository texts. They are therefore harder to analyze for their underlying conceptual structure.

E.g. Letters to the editor in a newspaper often present confused or long-winded arguments.
However, an academic essay is expected to feature a much clearer argumentative structure.
It should:

•	state the issue to be discussed
•	state the writer's position or conclusion
•	provide reasons for that conclusion

Tutors are also looking for acknowledgement of other positions, so it is usual to take account of alternative arguments. This is why the best argumentative essays have qualities of a literature review, as they tend to show evidence of wide and discriminating reading. It is difficult to put forward a counter-argument without attributing it to someone or some school of thought.

In French schools and universities, students are taught to present their arguments like this:
thesis --> antithesis --> synthesis
[i.e. argument --> counter-argument --> weighing up the 2 arguments]

This makes the point of taking account of alternative (opposing) arguments before a final summary or concluding synthesis.

Go to Strategies of Argumentation for a closer look at strategies for taking account of opposing viewpoints.

TASK: Read this letter to the editor from the South China Morning Post. Work out an argumentative matrix which accounts for the letter's structure according to:
	-Issue -Conclusion -Reasons for alternative arguments -Reasons against those counter-arguments

NOTE: Your matrix need not follow the sequence of the actual letter. You may find after this task that you would have structured the letter slightly differently

Click here to see David Cheung's Letter to the SCMP